Konkan Road

Konkan Road, Watercolour on Paper, (20" X 14") 

 This is a place somewhere in Konkan where the summers are as hot as the mangoes are sweet. This depicts the place in summer with a typically harsh sunlight and deserted streets.

This is the preliminary sketch I used for this painting. I have made some minor changes, like the position of the bicycle etc. As always I think the sketch has greater impact than the final painting. Perhaps its the urge to create a "presentable" (read twee) and "good" final painting that causes it to lose the strength of the original sketch.
Thank you so much for stopping by. :)

Lane in Ranigunj

"Lane in Ranigunj, Secunderabad", 
Watercolour on Paper , (22" X 15")

This was painted from a photograph I took in one of the by-lanes of Secunderabad. I did this on Fabriano Studio CP paper. I applied a thin wash of acrylic white on the paper and let it dry before painting. Seems to reduce the absorbency of the paper and makes it more paintable. Do you use any such methods to make your paper more paintable?

Thank you so much for stopping by.

View from the Fields

"View from the Fields", Watercolour on Paper, (14" X 20") 

I did this watercolour some time ago and then totally forgot about it. Yesterday while cleaning my room I found it. It is based on a photo I took in Kerala.
Thanks you so much for stopping by. I would be glad to know what you think of it. :)

Fishing Boats in the Sand

Fishing Boats in the Sand, Oil on Canvas , (18" X 14")

I love to paint boats, especially those that lay on land during low tides. They make such beautiful subjects for painting. I believe each one of them has a personality and a unique charm about themselves. I feel I am successful as an artist when I am able to capture that without ignoring the overall atmosphere of the place.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Nagpur Railway Station

"Front Porch, Nagpur Railway Station", Watercolour on Paper, (20" X 14")

This is a view of the front porch of Nagpur Railway Station. The building is made of sandstone and was built in 1924. After 89 years it still stands as splendid and beautiful as ever. But it can be much more crowded than I have shown here, especially on weekends, with so many young people coming home to visit their parents once in a while. Most youngsters leave Nagpur to pursue a career. I am one of them too but hope to go back and settle there someday.
Thank you all for stopping by.

Woman from Ladakh

Woman from Ladakh, Charcoal on Paper, (15" X 11.5")
Photo reference Courtesy: Shabbir Ferdaus

A portrait of a woman from Ladakh.  People who have lived difficult lives have such expressive faces. I hope I have been able to do some justice. I am glad the exceptionally talented photographer Shabbir Ferdaus allowed me to use one of his photos for this.

Please feel free to give your comments and critiques.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Tibetan Child

Tibetan Child, Charcoal on Paper, (15" x 11.75) 

Last week I happened to watch "Seven years in Tibet". I was amazed by the beauty of the place and people. 

All comments and critiques are most welcome.